Dry Van Truck Driver Jobs
Dry Van driving positions with O Trucking. Competitive pay at $2.45/mile, 24/7 support, choose your loads.
O TruckingDry Van Market Snapshot
Spot Rate
$2.45/mi
Contract Rate
$2.71/mi
Avg Weekly Gross
$4,600
What It's Like to Drive Dry Van
Dry van is the backbone of American freight — and there's a reason most drivers start here. You're hauling enclosed cargo: consumer goods, retail inventory, auto parts, packaged food, and everything in between. No tarping, no temperature monitoring, no specialized securement beyond standard load bars and straps. Your trailer is a 53-foot box, and your job is getting it from point A to point B on time. The drop-and-hook ratio is higher than any other equipment type, which means less time sitting at docks and more time making money. Dry van freight moves 365 days a year — there's no 'off season.' The trade-off is that rates are lower per mile than reefer or flatbed, but the sheer volume of available loads means you're rarely sitting empty. For new drivers, dry van is the smart play: low barrier to entry, maximum load availability, and the freedom to run local, regional, or OTR based on your preference.
What You'll Haul
Top Dry Van Lanes
Dry Van Requirements
- CDL-A license
- 53-foot enclosed trailer
- Clean MVR and CSA record
- Insurance COI with $1M minimum liability
- ELD compliance
- DOT medical card
Why Drive Dry Van With O Trucking?
Most Available Loads
Dry van has the highest load volume of any equipment type. Your dispatcher always has multiple options to choose from — you're never stuck.
Drop-and-Hook Priority
We route you to drop-and-hook shippers whenever possible, saving 2-3 hours per load that you'd waste at live load/unload facilities.
No Special Gear Needed
Standard 53-foot trailer. No reefer unit to fuel, no tarps to throw, no chains to carry. Lowest operating cost per mile.
Year-Round Consistency
Retail goods, consumer products, auto parts — they move 365 days a year. Dry van doesn't have produce seasons or construction slowdowns.
Dry Van Jobs by State
Find dry van driving jobs in your state.
Northeast
Midwest
Southwest
Dry Van Driver Jobs FAQ
Common questions about dry van driving jobs with O Trucking.
How much do dry van drivers earn?
Dry van drivers typically earn $55,000-$75,000/year depending on miles and lanes. At current spot rates around $2.35/mile and contract rates near $2.20/mile, a driver running 2,500 miles/week grosses around $5,500-6,000/week before expenses.
Is dry van a good choice for new drivers?
Dry van is the most accessible equipment type for new drivers. No tarping, no temperature monitoring, no specialized securement. The load volume is the highest of any equipment type, so there's always freight available. It's the best way to build miles and experience.
Can I get drop-and-hook loads?
We prioritize drop-and-hook whenever possible. It saves 2-3 hours per load versus live loading. Not every load is D&H, but we route you to shippers and receivers that operate that way.
What's the advantage of working with O Trucking vs load boards?
Load boards show the same loads to thousands of carriers. We have broker relationships that get you loads before they hit the board — often at better rates. We also vet broker credit so you don't haul a load and never get paid.
What's the best dry van trailer to buy?
Great Dane, Wabash National, and Hyundai Translead are the top 3 manufacturers. A good used 53-foot dry van runs $15,000-25,000 with 3-5 years of life left. New trailers cost $35,000-55,000. Look for roll-up rear doors (faster than swing doors), air-ride suspension, and no rust on the crossmembers.
How do I minimize deadhead on dry van loads?
Your dispatch team plans relay-style — your next load is booked before you deliver the current one, ideally within 30-50 miles of your drop. Running consistent corridors (same lanes weekly) also reduces deadhead because you know where the freight is. Target under 10% deadhead ratio.
Is dry van freight affected by seasonal demand?
Less than other equipment types. Q4 (October-December) sees a holiday freight surge with higher rates. Summer is generally steady. Dry van's biggest advantage is consistency — consumer goods, retail inventory, and packaged food move year-round without the peaks and valleys of produce or construction freight.
Apply in 60 Seconds
Most dry van drivers start within 48 hours. No long forms — just the basics.